May 14, 2024
PHNOM PENH – A Banteay Meanchey province man was instantly killed outside his home on May 12 when a DK75 rocket propelled grenade round exploded.
The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) explained in a same-day social media post that the victim was identified as Prang Pis, a 47-year-old villager living in Phnom Srok district’s Trang village, in Phnom Dey commune.
The authority said Pis had attempted to break the munition open with an axe, causing it to explode.
CMAA reiterated calls for the public, especially those living in former battlefields, to not attempt to interfere with landmines, unexploded ordnance or any other kinds of explosive remnants of war (ERW), as they are likely to be unstable and could explode at any time.
Despite widespread warnings and education campaigns, it appeared that some members of the public still believed it was worth attempting to break down ERWs for scrap metal.
“Should you discover any ERWs, please report them to the local authorities or any demining operators who are working nearby, so they can arrange for the weapons to be destroyed safely,” said the CMAA.
As Cambodia works towards the goal of achieving a Mine-Free Cambodia 2025, several recent incidents indicated that more work is required, especially in terms of raising public awareness.
The CMAA reported another recent tragedy in Mondulkiri province’s Srae I village, in Sen Monorom district’s Romonea commune on April 20, with four people killed and two suffering serious injuries.
Lang Kosal, CMAA spokesperson, told The Post on May 13 that in the first four months of this year, casualties from landmines and ERWs are up 92 per cent compared with the same period last year.
He said by the end of April this year, 23 casualties were recorded, compared to just 12 in the same period of 2023.
He said 11 out of them were victims of landmines, while the other 12 were caused by ERWs. Six people were killed outright, while four required amputations. The remaining 13 were injured, some of them seriously.